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Blunting Effect
Boring
Carving
Comments
Common Names
Common Uses
Corrosive Properties
Countries of Distribution
Cutting Resistance
Distribution Overview
Drying Defects
Ease of Drying
Environmental Profile
Family Name
Gluing
Grain
Heartwood Color
Kiln Drying Rate
Kiln Schedules
Light-Induced Color Change
Luster
Mortising
Moulding
Movement in Service
Nailing
Natural Durability
Natural Growth Defects
Numerical Data
Odor
Painting
Planing
Polishing
Product Sources
References
Regions of Distribution
Resistance to Impregnation
Response to Hand Tools
Routing & Recessing
Sanding
Sapwood Color
Scientific Name
Screwing
Staining
Steam Bending
Strength Properties
Substitutes
Synonyms
Texture
Toxicity
Trade Name
Tree Identification
Tree Size
Turning
Varnishing
Veneering Qualities

Scientific Name
Entandrophragma cylindricum

Trade Name
Sapele

Family Name
Meliaceae

Synonyms
Entandrophragma rufum, Entandrophragma tomentosa


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Common Names
Aboudikro, Acajou sapelle, Assi, Assie sapelli, Atore, Bibitu, Botsife, Bubussu, Cedar, Dilolo, Gold Coast cedar, Kwabohoro, Liboyo, Libuyu, Lifaki, Lifari, Lifuti, Lotue, M'boyo, Miovu, Muyovu, Odupon, Oweru, Penkua, Penkwa, Sapele, Sapele mahogany, Sapele wood, Sapeli, Sapelli, Scented mahogany, Tshimaye noir, Ubilesan, Undianuno, West African cedar

Regions of Distribution
Africa

Countries of Distribution  [VIEW MAP]
Angola, Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Togo, Uganda, Zaire

Common Uses
Boat building (general), Boat building, Boxes and crates, Building materials, Cabinetmaking, Canoes, Carvings, Chairs, Chests, Concealed parts (Furniture), Decorative plywood, Decorative veneer, Desks, Dining-room furniture, Domestic flooring, Dowell pins, Dowells, Drawer sides, Excelsior, Figured veneer, Fine furniture, Floor lamps, Flooring, Flooring: industrial heavy traffic, Furniture , Furniture components, Furniture squares or stock, Furniture, Hatracks, Heavy construction, Interior construction, Joinery, Kitchen cabinets, Lifeboats, Light construction, Living-room suites, Musical instruments, Musical instruments: piano, Office furniture, Paneling , Paneling, Parquet flooring, Plywood corestock, Plywood, Radio - stereo - TV cabinets, Rustic furniture, Shipbuilding, Stools, Sub-flooring, Tables , Tables, Turnery, Utility furniture, Vehicle parts, Veneer, Veneer: decorative, Wainscotting

Environmental Profile
Secure in many areas of its range
Data source is World Conservation Monitoring Center

Vulnerable in Cameroon and the Ivory Coast. It is considered as a Candidate for an environmental status assessment in Ghana and Uganda because it is suspected to be either Extinct, Endangered, Rare, or Vulnerable

Distribution Overview
Ranging from the Ivory Coast to the Cameroons and eastward through Zaire to Uganda (including Ghana).  Occurs in evergreen, deciduous, and transitional forest formation.

Heartwood Color
Brown
Red
Purple
Reddish brown
Pale red to pink
Purple
Red
Dark brown
Dark brown
Brown

The heartwood is pink when freshly cut, but it matures to a red-brown or purple-brown color.

Sapwood Color
White
Brown
Pink
Yellow
Well defined
White to yellow
Paler than heartwood
Pinkish
Gray-pink
Cream


Grain
Figure
Interlocked
Distinct (figure)
Stripe (figure)
Wavy
Straight
Rippled (figure)
Closed
Even
Mottled (figure)
Growth rings (figure)
Roey (figure)
Fiddleback (figure)

Interlocked
Distinct figure
Striped figure
Wavy
Straight
Rippled figure
Distinct and very fine figure
Mottled figure
Roey figure
Moderately to severely interlocked
Fiddleback figure
Clear growth rings (figure)

Quarter cut Sapele is reported to yield a ribbon, regular stripe or bee's wing. Other cuts feature various desirable patterns, including fiddlebacks, roe or a mottled design, especially in wood containing wavy grain.

Texture
Fine
Fine
Medium
Fine to medium
Moderately fine
Coarse


Luster
Lustrous
Pronounced
High
Golden luster


Natural Growth Defects
Gum canals


Natural Durability
Very durable
Durable
Resistant to termites
Susceptible to insect attack
Non-resistant to powder post beetles
Non-resistant to termites
Resistant to marine borers
Moderately durable
Susceptible to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles
Susceptible to attack from termites (Isoptera)
Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) are commonly present
Non durable
Moderately resistant to termite (Isoptera) attack
Susceptible to marine borer attack
Durable
Susceptible to pinhole borer
Susceptible to marine borer attack
Sapwood susceptible to attack by powder post beetles
Resistant to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles
Resistant to attack from pinworms (ambrosia beetles)
Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) may be present in the felled log

Moderately resistant to African termites.

Odor
Cedar-Like scent that remains even after long exposure.

Light-Induced Color Change
None
Darker


Corrosive Properties
Reacts with metals


Toxicity
Respiratory effects
Dermatitic effects


Kiln Schedules
Drying (speed) is fast
Dry at a slow speed
Kiln Drying Rate (in days) is fairly rapid
Dry at a moderate speed


Drying Defects
Moderate twist/warp
Severe twisting/warping
Moderate end spitting
Slight twist/warp
Slight end splitting
Slight collapse and honeycomb
Moderate cupping
Distortion (twist/warp) is likely
Checking

Moderate temperatures are recommended especially during the early stages of drying

Ease of Drying
Slowly
Variable results.
Difficult
Dries at a fairly rapid rate

Quartered material seasons best

Kiln Drying Rate
Naturally dries slowly
Fairly rapid (11-17 days for boards under 32 mm, to 31-51 days for boards greater than 63 mm)


Tree Identification
Bole/stem form is buttressed
Bole/stem form is cylindrical
Bole/stem form is straight


Tree Size
Tree height is 10-20 m
Bole length is 10-20 m
Sapwood width is 0-5 cm
Bole length is 0-10 m
Tree height is 20-30 m


Product Sources
The ITTO reports that the species is an important source of timber and is exported regularly.

Sapele is readily available as either veneer or lumber, with prices ranging from average to valuable. Specified grades of Sapele are also easier to fill. Quartered sapele yields beautiful straight stripes. Flat cut wood produces attractive cathedrals and cantilevered hearts and Sapele pommele, a wild blisterered grain pattern present in some trees. Sapele pommele is a highly popular veneer, and is used by designers for architectural interiors, table tops, and wall paneling. The best grades of Sapele are reported to feature a fine pencil stripe of uniform width.

Substitutes
Kosipo (Entandrophragma candollei)

Comments
General finishing qualities are rated as good

Sapele is comparable to Oak in strength properties, and is stronger than either African (Khaya ) or American mahogany (Swietenia ).

Blunting Effect
Blunting effect on machining is slight
Blunting effect on sawing dry wood is moderate
Blunting effect on machining is moderate


Boring
Good results


Carving
Easy to carve


Cutting Resistance
Easy to saw
Cutting Resistance with dry wood is easy
Low resistance


Gluing
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Easy to glue
Glues well


Mortising
Difficult to mortise


Moulding
Difficult to mould
Tends to tear where interlocked grain is present
Reduced cutting angle is suggested


Movement in Service
Medium


Nailing
Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult
Pre-Boring Recommended
Easy to nail
Holds nails well
Good nailing properties


Planing
Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Very Good to Excellent Results
Fair to Good Results
Difficult to plane
Easy to plane

Interlocked material has a tendency to tear.

Resistance to Impregnation
Resistant heartwood
Resistant sapwood
Heartwood is resistant
Heartwood is highly resistant
Very difficult to treat
Sapwood is resistant
Sapwood is moderately resistant


Response to Hand Tools
Fairly Difficult to Difficult to Work
Easy to machine
Moderate working qualities
Fairly good


Routing & Recessing
Routing is easy


Sanding
Very good characteristics


Screwing
Easy to screw
Screwing yields good results
Fairly good characteristics


Turning
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Yields smooth, clean surface.
Responds well


Veneering Qualities
Easy to cut
Suitable for slicing
Suitable for peeling
No drying degrade. Dries flat without splitting
Good gluing qualities

The material is quartered to yield a straight grain appearance, and is usually flat cut for cathedrals.

Steam Bending
Poor
Very poor


Painting
Satisfactory results
Good results


Polishing
Fair to Good Results
Very Good to Excellent Results
Satisfactory results
Good results
Excellent results


Staining
Finish is generally satisfactory
Finish is generally good
Stains well


Varnishing
Very Good to Excellent Results
Fair to Good Results
Fairly Easy to Very Easy
Good results


Strength Properties
Density (dry weight) = 38-45 lbs/cu. ft.
Max. crushing strength = high
Bending strength (MOR) = medium
Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = low
Shrinkage, Tangential = moderate
Hardness (side grain) = medium
Hardness (side grain) = soft
Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = very low
Max. crushing strength = medium
Shrinkage, Radial = small
Shrinkage, Radial = fairly large
Bending strength (MOR) = low
Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = medium
Shrinkage, Volumetric = fairly large
Shrinkage, Radial = moderate
Density (dry weight) = 31-37 lbs/cu. ft.
Bending strength (MOR) = high
Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = medium
Shrinkage, Tangential = very small
Shrinkage, Tangential = small
Shrinkage, Tangential = fairly large
Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = medium
Work to Maximum Load = low
Toughness (total work) = low
Shrinkage, Volumetric = moderate
Shrinkage, Tangential = large
Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = low
Density (dry weight) = 53-60 lbs/cu. ft
Toughness (total work) = very low
Shrinkage, Volumetric = small
Shrinkage, Radial = very small
Shrinkage, Radial = large
Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = very low
Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = high


Numerical Data
ItemGreenDryEnglish
Bending Strength977616221psi
Density41lbs/ft3
Hardness1439lbs
Impact Strength3536inches
Maximum Crushing Strength56718985psi
Shearing Strength2168psi
Stiffness135616141000 psi
Work to Maximum Load914inch-lbs/in3
Specific Gravity0.440.58
Weight4140lbs/ft3
Radial Shrinkage4%
Tangential Shrinkage7%
Volumetric Shrinkage12%
ItemGreenDryMetric
Bending Strength6871140kg/cm2
Density657kg/m3
Hardness652kg
Impact Strength8891cm
Maximum Crushing Strength398631kg/cm2
Shearing Strength152kg/cm2
Stiffness951131000 kg/cm2
Work to Maximum Load0.630.98cm-kg/cm3
Specific Gravity0.440.58
Weight657641kg/m3
Radial Shrinkage4%
Tangential Shrinkage7%

References
Abankwah, J.M.,1970,A field test for the Natural Relative Durability of Timbers against Fungal,Decay,Building and Road Res. Inst. Ghana Research Note,No.33

Armstrong, F.H.,1960,The Strength Properties of Timber,Forest Products Research Laboratory, London Bulletin,No.45

Banks, C.H., Schoeman, J.P., Otto, K.P.,1977,The Mechanical Properties of Timbers with particular reference to South,Africa,South African Forestry Research Institute Bulletin,(Ed.,Schoeman, J.P. 1973 & Otto K.P. 1976,No.48

Banks, C.H.,1954,The Mechanical Properties of Timbers with Particular Reference to those,grown in the Union of South Africa,Journal of the South African Forestry Association,No. 24 pp.44-65,[South,African Forestry Journal]

Banks, C.H.,1970,The Durability of South African Wood and Wood Base Building Materials,South African Forestry Journal,No.75

Bodig, J. and B. A. Jayne. 1982. Mechanics of Wood and Wood Composites. Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, New York.

Bois et Forets des Tropiques,1974,Sapelli - Entandrophragma cylindricum,Bois et Forets des Tropiques,154,pp27-40

Bolza, E., Keating, W.G.,1972,African Timbers - the Properties, Uses and Characteristics of 700 Species,C.S.I.R.O. Div. of Building Research

Bolza, E.,1976,Timber and Health,Div. Building Res. C.S.I.R.O. Australia

Brown, W.H.,1960,Aspects of Timber Seasoning - Properties of the Genus Entandrophragma,Timber Technology 68(2249, pp108 &115

Brown, W.H.,1969,Properties and uses of Tropical hardwoods in the United Kingdom. Part 1,Nonstructural properties and uses.,Conference on Tropical hardwoods SC-5/TN-5, Syracuse University

Brown, W.H.,1978,Timbers of the World No.1 Africa,TRADA, Red Booklet Series

Chudnoff, M.,1984,Tropical Timbers of the World,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products,Laboratory, Madison.

Clifford, N.,1953,Commercial Hardwoods - Their Characteristics Identification and,Utilization,Sir Isaac Pitman & Sons Ltd. London

Cox, H.A.,1939,A Handbook of Empire Timbers,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough

Crossley, N., Ogunle, O.A.,1964,Studies on the Suitability of Nigeria Raw Materials for Paper-making 7,Fed. Inst. Ind. Res. Nigeria Research Note, No.26

Eggeling, W.J., Harris, C.M.,1939,Fifteen Uganda Timbers,Forest Trees and Timbers of the British Empire, Imperial Forestry,Institute, Oxford,Part 4

Erfurth, T., Rusche, H.,1976,The Marketing of Tropical Wood A. Wood Species from African Moist Forests,F.A.O. Forestry Department

Farmer, R.H.,1972,Handbook of Hardwoods,HMSO

Forest Products Research Laboratory, U.K.,1955,Kiln-Drying Schedules,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Department of,Science and Industrial Research, Building Research Establishment Leaflet,No.42

Fouarge, J.,1970,Essais Physiques,Mecaniques et de Durabilite de Bois de la Republique,Democratique du Congo,I.N.E.A.C. Belgium Serie Technique,No.76

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France - C.T.F.T.,1964,Resultats des Observations et des Essais Effectues au CTFT sur le,Sapelli,(Entandrophragma cylindricum,C.T.F.T.,Information Tec.,No.193

France - C.T.F.T.,1966,Bois Tropicaux,C.T.F.T. Publ.,12

France - C.T.F.T.,1973,Investigations and Tests carried out on Tropical Timber by several,Research Laboratories,CTFT

Ghana - Timber Marketing Board,1969,Ghana Hardwoods,Timber Marketing Board

Harrar, E.S.,1942,Some Physical Properties of Modern Cabinet Woods 3. Directional and Volume,Shrinkage,Tropical Woods,9(71, pp26-32

HMSO. 1981. Handbook of Hardwoods, 2nd Edition. Revised by R.H. Farmer. Department of the Environment, Building Research Establishment, Princes Risborough Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

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Kinloch, D., Miller, W.A.,1949,Gold Coast Timbers,Govt. Printer Gold Coast

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